A few months ago, I posted looking for information on the National Geographic Diver program. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to be had. I've just completed the program and thought I'd share my experiences.
PADI and National Geographic really don't give a lot of information about the program on their websites. The dive shop we certified with gave us some additional information. We knew that the program would focus on buoyancy, navigation, include a project, and required two additional dives.
PADI could really learn a thing or two from National Geographic about developing materials. The National Geographic Almanac is the additional required reading. Unlike the PAD IOW manual (which looks suspiciously like my old Girl Scout handbooks in terms of content and layout), the Almanac is actually enjoyable to read and laid out very similar to their magazine. Its loaded with photographs and really gets you excited about diving. The included DVD is not the most informative, but is great viewing on its own. It definitely lacks the cheese quality PADIs videos had. There is some required homework in the back of the Almanac, but its the same regurgitate what you read as PADIs questions.
The program really is an add-on to the OW course. We spent an additional 3-4 hours in the pool focusing on nothing but buoyancy. Instead of just doing fin pivots and hovering in the lotus position, we actually got something practical out of this additional work. The required skills were mastering a horizontal hover, head-up hover, and head-down hover. Our instructor made sure we understood why each of these positions was important and when we might use them. Personally, mastering these additional skills made me a lot more comfortable with my ability to stay off of the reef and control myself in the water.
The two additional dives are the best part of the program, in my eyes. The first dive was focused on practicing the additional buoyancy skills and completing more navigational training. Our dive was on a wreck, so we were able to see firsthand how all of the hovering positions were used. We were also required to navigate a square and a triangle.
The second dive was when we completed our project. We had our choice of fish identification or making a map of the area. Since Im into fish ID and my husband is into maps, our project was a combination of both. Besides actually taking the time to look at the reef, this dive had us multi-tasking. This is really a key to becoming comfortable with the skills.
Personally, Im grateful that we signed up for the National Geographic Diver program. After OW dives 3&4, neither of us felt that we were actually ready to dive on our own. However, during the required extra dives, our confidence grew tremendously. I feel that I am now capable of diving, not hurting myself, my buddy, or my environment.
If anyone has any questions, let me know.
PADI and National Geographic really don't give a lot of information about the program on their websites. The dive shop we certified with gave us some additional information. We knew that the program would focus on buoyancy, navigation, include a project, and required two additional dives.
PADI could really learn a thing or two from National Geographic about developing materials. The National Geographic Almanac is the additional required reading. Unlike the PAD IOW manual (which looks suspiciously like my old Girl Scout handbooks in terms of content and layout), the Almanac is actually enjoyable to read and laid out very similar to their magazine. Its loaded with photographs and really gets you excited about diving. The included DVD is not the most informative, but is great viewing on its own. It definitely lacks the cheese quality PADIs videos had. There is some required homework in the back of the Almanac, but its the same regurgitate what you read as PADIs questions.
The program really is an add-on to the OW course. We spent an additional 3-4 hours in the pool focusing on nothing but buoyancy. Instead of just doing fin pivots and hovering in the lotus position, we actually got something practical out of this additional work. The required skills were mastering a horizontal hover, head-up hover, and head-down hover. Our instructor made sure we understood why each of these positions was important and when we might use them. Personally, mastering these additional skills made me a lot more comfortable with my ability to stay off of the reef and control myself in the water.
The two additional dives are the best part of the program, in my eyes. The first dive was focused on practicing the additional buoyancy skills and completing more navigational training. Our dive was on a wreck, so we were able to see firsthand how all of the hovering positions were used. We were also required to navigate a square and a triangle.
The second dive was when we completed our project. We had our choice of fish identification or making a map of the area. Since Im into fish ID and my husband is into maps, our project was a combination of both. Besides actually taking the time to look at the reef, this dive had us multi-tasking. This is really a key to becoming comfortable with the skills.
Personally, Im grateful that we signed up for the National Geographic Diver program. After OW dives 3&4, neither of us felt that we were actually ready to dive on our own. However, during the required extra dives, our confidence grew tremendously. I feel that I am now capable of diving, not hurting myself, my buddy, or my environment.
If anyone has any questions, let me know.
